Tell Arizona that Education is Important To you! Take this survey.

The Arizona We Want is a citizens' agenda and we encourage you to stay connected in two ways.  First, visit www.TheArizonaWeWant.org Web site again in the coming months. Arizona is the first state to create a vision for its future that is solidly grounded in the opinions and hopes of its citizens.

Second, invite your family, friends and co-workers to add their voices. We want to hear from all Arizonans. Many thanks to you for your interest and participation.

Lattie F. Coor
Chairman and CEO
Center for the Future of Arizona

Please Support this great organization that is really supporting KLC

April 9, 2010

Dear Fellow Arizonan:

Scientific advancements in the last decade have confirmed what parents and grandparents have known for a lifetime – that  90% of a child’s brain is developed in the first three years of life. These early years set the foundation for a child to process, retain and advance simple and sophisticated thoughts and actions. 

That’s why in 2006, Arizona voters made an unprecedented commitment to our youngest children: they set aside 80 cents from every pack of cigarettes sold to establish First Things First (FTF) and ensure that every child in Arizona has the opportunity to start school prepared to succeed. 

By law, 90% of FTF’s money goes directly to programs and services that help our youngest children thrive.  Decisions about how to spend these funds are not made by government bureaucrats; they are made by more than 300 dedicated community volunteers who serve on FTF’s 31 Regional Partnership Councils across the state.

Your Tax Dollars Invested Wisely

To date, FTF has allocated more than $284 million to early education and health services across Arizona.  While we achieve efficiencies through statewide initiatives, FTF accommodates the economic and cultural differences across our state through Regional Partnership Councils.  We know that helping children cannot be a one-size-fits-all proposition. Our Regional Councils identify the challenges and opportunities in their communities then develop three-year plans with specific strategies to meet the needs of their children.  These strategies connect nationally recognized best practices with the unique needs of local communities.  Every strategy funded includes specific outcome measures so that we can be sure our funding is invested in what works.  As a result of our statewide and regional efforts:

·         10,086 children received child care scholarships that allowed their parent to work or look for work;

·         33,000 children are receiving improved child care;

·         15,000 children have safer, more nurturing relationships with their parents;

·         The parents of 80,000 newborns can leave the hospital with information about healthy parenting practices;

·         66,000 children benefit from healthy, safe learning environments;

·         68,684 food boxes were distributed, including 2 million pounds of food and 75,638 other items such as diapers, formula, etc.;

·         330,000 children benefit from outreach to doctors that results in improved health care coordination, as well as physician knowledge of best practices in caring for young children; and,

·         2,780 children will have ready access to specialized therapists in their communities

We are proud of the work that has occurred throughout the past three years, and the best is yet to come.  You can find more information about the specific program strategies working across Arizona at www.azftf.gov.   

The Budget Crisis

The state is facing a budget crisis the likes of which we have never seen, and we hope won’t be seen again.  The Arizona Legislature has severely reduced, and in some cases, eliminated state funding for programs and services to young children. This is having a devastating impact on kids in our state, especially since these cuts did not have to be made. 

Because of responsible financial planning and funding guidelines contained in the initiative approved by the voters, FTF has a fund balance that has been accumulating over the past three years. This balance ensures our spending decisions are based on actual revenues, not on unreliable projections. It also ensures that funding will be available to sustain our critical early childhood programs as tobacco revenues decline over time.

 FTF recognized the state’s dire financial position and we have offered to help. In December 2009, FTF proposed a fund transfer to the Governor and legislative leaders. The only condition: that the monies have to be paid back. The Governor accepted this fund transfer concept and included it in her budget plan.

Legislative leaders, however, rejected our fund transfer offer. Instead, they passed a measure to ask voters to eliminate FTF, sweep all FTF funds set aside for early childhood education and health, and let the Legislature decide what to do with the money. In other words, scrap FTF and our mission but keep the tax for their own purposes. The First Things First statewide Board has voted to formally oppose this action.

We understand several lawmakers are willing to reconsider this action and accept our fund transfer offer – which is $300 million, to be paid back by 2017 – with NOinterest.  The terms of the fund transfer would be specified in an alternative ballot measure that would go to the voters in November. 

If an agreement on a fund transfer cannot be reached, the existing measure to eliminate FTF will be on the November ballot. We are confident voters will overwhelmingly reject this attempt to take money from our children, but it would be unfortunate if we had to waste time and resources to mount a campaign in order to keep the early childhood investment voters already authorized, especially when a viable alternative is available.

We Need Your Help

Many have asked what they can do to help– individually and through their affiliations.  While this list is not exhaustive, here are some ideas:

·         Pass this letter on — Distribute the information in this letter widely. 

·         Serve on a Regional Partnership Council — Apply to serve on a Regional Partnership Council.  Go to www.azftf.gov/apply  to learn more and to fill out an application. 

·         Call your Legislator — Ask your legislator – both Representatives and Senators – to reconsider the vote taken March 16 and accept the fund transfer offer from First Things First instead. 

·         Provide information about FTF and our work in your newsletters and fact sheets — Information to assist you is available at www.azftf.gov. 

·         Attend your Regional Partnership Council meeting and have your voice heard.

·         Send us stories — We love to hear success stories.  Let us know how FTF is working in your community. 

·         Invite us to speak to your organization — We are always excited to tell the FTF story. If you would like to schedule a presentation, please contact our FTF communications team at Communication@azftf.gov.

·         Subscribe to our news feeds — Stay current with the latest FTF news by subscribing to our newsfeeds. 

On behalf of our State Board, our Regional Partnership Councils and our staff, we extend our deepest appreciation to all Arizonans who have demonstrated their commitment to our youngest children.  Together, we can be confident that all our children will enter kindergarten with the foundation they need to be successful in school and life.

Sincerely,

Steven W. Lynn                                                                                               

FTF Board Chair                                                                

Rhian Evans Allvin

FTF Executive Director

Fund Raising Committee Meeting April 19th at Erin's House

7 pm

1206 Randy Thompson Circle

KLC Is Hiring A New Director: Please help us get the word out

Position: Director for an Educational Based Day-care/Preschool, Kaibab Learning Center, Inc

Live and Work Inside Grand Canyon National Park! Walk or bike to work! Abundant recreation opportunities and unparalleled scenic beauty abound! Competitive salary package includes housing, childcare, sick leave and outstanding vacation benefits!

Position: Director for an Educational Based Day-care/Preschool, Kaibab Learning

Center, Inc http://kaibablearningcenter.blogspot.com/

Job Description: Kaibab Learning Center, an educational-based childcare facility, is seeking a creative, friendly, enthusiastic individual to facilitate growth, maintain high standards of quality, and oversee daily operations for the Kaibab Learning Center.  This person is responsible for directing all processes, procedures, and programming, which include, but are not limited to:  upholding the center’s vision, mission, and philosophy; implementing programs that meet the needs of young children at different ages and developmental levels; hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluating all personnel; overseeing all aspects of enrollment procedures; and devising and implementing strategies to reach and maintain maximum child care participation levels, including application and administration of grants.

In addition, the individual is responsible for all aspects of business pertaining to the center including book keeping, payroll, advertising, and recruiting, and must have a strong background in the education of young children, including working knowledge of lesson planning and curriculum. Montessori experience preferred.

Required Skills:

·      Minimum, an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, or Bachelor’s or higher degree in a related field.

·      Must have at least six (6) hours of child development education or related field (nursing, psychology, elementary education, social work involving children, etc.)  OR 30 hours of documented seminars and or lectures.

·      Must possess a current Fingerprint Clearance Card and notarized Criminal History Affidavit.

·      Must be willing to submit to a Mantoux TB test and provide a negative test result.

·      Must be willing to submit to a pre-employment drug screen.

·      Provide two (2) written professional and two (2) written character references

Job Location: Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim, AZ

The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, located in Northwest Arizona, is approximately 60 miles north of Williams, and 85 miles Northwest of Flagstaff at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Grand Canyon Village has many amenities including the only K-12 public school inside a National Park, a day-care center, post office, general store, banking facilities, churches, a recreation center, a clinic with resident physicians and several restaurants. The park community consists of some 2,000 people, including employees of the National Park Service, concessionaires and their family members.

Position Type: Full-Time

Applicants must appear in person for the interview.

For detailed job description and further information contact:

Sandi Chapman

Chairman, Kaibab Learning Center Board of Directors

928-606-7741

Send Resume and Cover Letter to:

skpchapman@gmail.com or fax to: Attn. Sandi Chapman @ 928-638-3047

This position is open until April 30th.  The Kaibab Learning Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

From Aha Parenting.com

Preschoolers (age 3-5 years)

Not a baby anymore, not even a toddler, your little one is a Preschooler -- what is often called the Wonder Years.  And wondrous they are, as your little one gains the ability to manage herself and control her emotions -- most of the time!

Want cooperation?  Connect with her, and make your routines fun. 

Want a preschooler who goes to bed easily and doesn't have potty accidents?  Make sure you meet his needs for security. 

Want a kid who talks instead of hitting or tantrumming?  Develop his emotional intelligence by empathizing and talking about feelings.  

Here's your game plan for bringing out the best in your preschooler.

Game Plan for Positive Parenting Your Preschooler

With a little help from you, these years will build a fertile foundation for your son or daughter's entire childhood. Your game plan for giving your 3 to 5 year old what she needs to blossom.  

Positive Parenting Your Preschooler: Daily Life

The day by day moments that make up your 3 to 5 year's old's childhood, from discipline to sleep to potty accidents to staying connected.

Preparing Your Preschooler for the New School Year

Whether your preschooler is starting for the first time, or an experienced school-goer, there’s one thing you can count on:  School is always a big transition for the whole family.

Helping Your Preschooler Adjust to School

So she’s off to school every morning now, like a big kid.  But instead of the exuberance you expected, you find many days – especially Monday -- starting with tears, or maybe a tummy-ache.  Don’t worry, it’s not unusual for kids to need a little extra help adjusting to the start of school.  What can you do?

Positive Parenting Your Growing Preschooler

Helping your preschooler develop social and emotional intelligence, good judgment, competence, generosity, and more.

Director for an Educational Based Day-care/Preschool, Kaibab Learning

Live and Work Inside Grand Canyon National Park! Walk or bike to work!
Abundant recreation opportunities and unparalleled scenic beauty abound!
Competitive salary package includes housing, childcare, sick leave and
outstanding vacation benefits!

Position:
Director for an Educational Based Day-care/Preschool, Kaibab Learning
Center, Inc
http://kaibablearningcenter.blogspot.com/

Job Description:
Kaibab Learning Center, an educational-based childcare facility, is seeking
a creative, friendly, enthusiastic individual to facilitate growth,
maintain high standards of quality, and oversee daily operations for the
Kaibab Learning Center.  This person is responsible for directing all
processes, procedures, and programming, which include, but are not limited
to:  upholding the center’s vision, mission, and philosophy; implementing
programs that meet the needs of young children at different ages and
developmental levels; hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluating all
personnel; overseeing all aspects of enrollment procedures; and devising
and implementing strategies to reach and maintain maximum child care
participation levels, including application and administration of grants.

In addition, the individual is responsible for all aspects of business
pertaining to the center including book keeping, payroll, advertising, and
recruiting, and must have a strong background in the education of young
children, including working knowledge of lesson planning and curriculum.
Montessori experience preferred.
Required Skills:


     ·      Minimum, an Associates Degree in Early Childhood
     Education, or Bachelor’s or higher degree in a related field.


     ·      Must have at least six (6) hours of child development
     education or related field (nursing, psychology, elementary
     education, social work involving children, etc.)  OR 30 hours of
     documented seminars and or lectures.


     ·      One year of verifiable experience in a licensed childcare
     setting.


     ·      Must posses a current Fingerprint Clearance Card and notarized
     Criminal History Affidavit.


     ·      Must be willing to submit to a Mantoux TB test and provide a
     negative test result.


     ·      Must be willing to submit to a pre-employment drug screen.


     ·      Provide two (2) written professional and two (2) written
     character references.


     ·      Computer literate in Microsoft Word, Excel.


     ·      Basic accounting and bookkeeping skills.


Job Location:
Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim, AZ
The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, located in Northwest Arizona,
is approximately 60 miles north of Williams, and 85 miles Northwest of
Flagstaff at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Grand Canyon Village has many
amenities including the only  K-12 public school inside a National Park, a
day-care center, post office, general store,
banking facilities, churches, a recreation center, a clinic with resident
physicians and several restaurants. The park community consists of some
2,000 people, including employees of the National Park Service,
concessionaires and their family members.

Position Type:
Full-Time
Must appear in person for the interview.

For detailed job description and further information, contact:
Sandi Chapman
Chairman, Kaibab Learning Center Board of Directors
928-606-7741

Send Resume and Cover Letter to:
skpchapman@gmail.com or fax to: Attn. Sandi Chapman @ 928-638-3047
This position is open until April 14th.  The Kaibab Learning Center is an
Equal Opportunity Employer.